BC Coroners Service deploys mobile morgue unit to Fraser Health region

The BC Coroners Service (BCCS) confirmed with Daily Hive this week that it has deployed a mobile morgue unit to the Fraser Health region to help manage potential capacity issues around the temporary storage of dead bodies.

According to the BCCS, the unit was deployed as a precautionary measure “to ensure the safe, respectful temporary storage” of decedents.

The BCCS noted that “there is a provincial working group established with all health authorities and the BC Coroners Service to actively monitor the capacity of mortuaries across the province.”

• See also:
  • VPD seek suspect who set fire to homeless woman’s blankets while she slept
  • Canada to purchase additional 20 million doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
  • 14 cases of “more contagious” COVID-19 UK variant now confirmed in Ontario

Part of this is to “ensure plans are in place for potential increases in demand for storage,” the BCCS said. “As an additional measure, part of the plan for additional space includes the deployment of mobile morgue facilities at hospital sites.”

Now, one of these units has been deployed to the Fraser Health, and “has been operationalized,” the BCCS said.

“We hope we do not require the mobile facilities but it’s important to have the back-up plan in place before they are needed.”